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anyone had bleached highlights in dyed brown hair?

24 replies

jollymollie · 28/07/2012 07:32

I've always had blonde highlights but about 8 months ago I got fed up and got my hair dyed back to my natural colour, medium brown. I've had it done a few times since with a semi permanent brown. Anyway, I have never felt like 'me' since and have yearned to go back blonde even though my hair has never been in better condition now! I've phoned a salon, which I hope is a good one and got an appointment next week. The guy doing it reckons he's got 15 years experience with colour. I have been trying desperately to fade the brown and have been washing hair with Vosene and Bicarbonate of Soda as I googled and that seems to help fade colour, it does seem to be working. I will be paying a lot of money for these highlights and I'm going on my hols soon so REALLY want them to be nice. Has anyone got any experience of having bleached highlights over hair that's been dyed brown? Did you get a good enough lift and a nice blonde?? I know I'll sacrifice some of the condition but it's the colour I'm more concerned about!

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Itdidntworkout · 28/07/2012 20:48

I didn't think you could highlight over dyed hair.

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caution · 28/07/2012 20:57

It can leave a pinkish orange tinge to the hair especially through the lengths, my colourist gave me a purple looking shampoo and conditioner that helped bring out the blondeness if that makes sense?

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MikeLitorisRings · 28/07/2012 21:01

Tried once and they came out orange.

Wont be trying that again in a hurry!

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ArcticRain · 28/07/2012 21:04

I have dyed dark brown hair. Desperate to go lighter. Tried several times with blonde highlights, they go orangey after a month or so. I end up going dark again to cover it up. I really dont know what else to do, but am attempting again in a few weeks with new stylist.

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cocolepew · 28/07/2012 21:07

I've did myself, the only thing I've noticed is, because of the bleach before, your hair can go a bit shite*

*not a hairdressing term.

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4boyzmum · 28/07/2012 21:08

i did that too. hairdresser refused to highlight over it til it had faded a fair bit...seemed to take forever to say it was semi permanent. She recommended using Head & Shoulders shampoo as that can strip the hair of colour faster than normal shampoos. Failing that she said washing up liquid is good at stripping a colour from your hair too. Tho maybe bit drastic. I never used it but did use H&S. Anyway had highlights finally put in and they did take a little longer to lift than normal but looked really nice. And thank god, not orange!! Oh, and the condition of my hair is fine as well...bonus! Smile

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cocolepew · 28/07/2012 21:08

To go lighter yourself brush through Garnier Lights in no.3 a couple of times then highlight.*




*not accepting liablity for shiteness, if it goes wrong.

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HaveAGoodDay · 28/07/2012 21:19

You could try Colour B4, a colour stripper from Boots/Superdrug. It removes semi and permanent colours. Costs around £9 - £11, depending on what strength, i'd get the extra strength. At least by doing this, you will have a lighter base colour for your highlights

You must follow the instructions to the letter, especially the rinsing part. Some people say it can leave your hair with gingery tones. If it does, you can apply, straight after, a one bottle 8 wash colour, in Light Ash Brown (think its clariol loving care) don't put on a permanent colour for at least 4 weeks after as your hair will go back to dark brown.

I'm 99% sure you are fine to have highlights afterwards. You could ring the hairdresser and ask before buying Colour B4 or Google it! hth!

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swooosh · 28/07/2012 21:59

I've had it done at the hairdressers. She used bleach and toner. It looks very good. They are subtle highlights, lots of them but none towards my parting if you know what I mean.

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ken0eddie0kennedy · 28/07/2012 22:08

Yes - bleach & toner here too. Did it gradually, starting with v fine highlights, now all over Aveda hi Lift blonde. Lovely.

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jollymollie · 29/07/2012 09:21

It's nice to hear some positive stories. I've been desperately trying to fade it since I made the appointment. It has faded quite a fair bit so I'm hopeful for a good result. I really want it to look blonde again rather than subtle highlights so I know I'm expecting a lot. Desperately do not want a gingery or brassy blonde. The last thing I want to do is end up putting a brown back on! I've looked at the colour b4 thing but a bit nervous to try anything myself at home. I think the brown I've got at the moment will make a good enough base. I've never dyed it anything darker than a level 6. Fingers crossed for my appointment on Wednesday. I'll let you know Smile

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Iatemyskinnyperson · 29/07/2012 09:21

Yes, highlighted over permanently coloured hair. Tis lovely!! I wasn't going for blonde though, more caramel tones.

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onebigwish · 29/07/2012 09:23

Yes I've had my hair highlighted when it's been dyed dark brown (my natural hair is also a dark brown, though a different shade).

Never been a problem, I didn't think it was a big deal.

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MattDamonIsMyLover · 29/07/2012 09:47

I've had it done, both at home and at the hairdressers.

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IceCubes · 29/07/2012 09:48

I've done this a few times now. Might be worth finding a salon that uses Magma colours as these work really well at lifting previously dyed hair.

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PavlovtheCat · 29/07/2012 09:51

i have had highlights through dyed brown hair, never been an issue.

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BettyandDon · 29/07/2012 09:58

I have the exact same problem. I never thought I would miss my blonde so much I feel like a stranger in my own skin.

I have been to a hairdresser since I went dark and 4 weeks later they did a trial of a few blonde highlights. They have worked ok and the rest is continuing to fade. I am going back in about another month to have a half head of highlights. This will put me nearly back to normal and after that full head. They would only do it bit by bit to avoid any further disasters and to give the hair a bit of a rest.

I would say that you need a good professional here as the risk of ginger is quite high. Before you see the hairdresser use extra treatments so that your hair is in top condition as this seems to scare the hairdressers if it's very dry/brittle/porous as this means the hair won't hold the colour as well I think.

Good luck.

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jollymollie · 29/07/2012 13:55

isn't it strange how our hair colour can make such a difference to the way we feel. Like you I just haven't felt like myself since going dark and it's been eight months now. I so much wanted to like it because my hairs in great condition and it's obviously far cheaper to maintain. I keep looking longingly at people with blonde hair and looking at old photos of myself as a blonde. I feel old and dull with my hair brown. Just hoping it turns out ok!

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sianny1 · 12/01/2013 11:30

I've been having my hair dyed bright blonde ever since it grew back grey after a brain haemorrage. Decided to go back to brown - and I don't like it. I had chosen a lighter colour at the hairdresser but she advised me that there may be ginger tones so I went darker. I don't have much spare cash and want to change to something like ash blonde. Any advice? I feel just like you jollymollie.

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Aga00 · 26/04/2014 23:38

Hi girls! I have the same problem ??.I had my hair done today and I look horrible! Problem is I'm getting married in 2weeks!
Do I need to wait until color will fade or do you think I can try to get an appointment asap?
Help!

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 27/04/2014 08:05

My hair dressers has done it for me,I have a combination of colours out through my hair. Make sure you see an experienced colourist.

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 27/04/2014 08:07

Seriously I would not go to any hairdresser that suggested there would be ginger tones because the right combination of colours/dyes counteracts that.

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notAmumYet82 · 29/07/2015 20:21

Hahahaha

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 29/07/2015 20:32

Confused
Why re-ignite a THREE YEAR OLD THREAD to Hahahaha Yet82

Fecking weird

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